Sarah Bernhardt(1844 — 1923)
Sarah Bernhardt
France
7 min read
painter (born 1989)
Frequently asked questions
Key Facts
Works & Achievements
A landmark performance in the title role of Racine's tragedy, which became one of her most celebrated roles and cemented her reputation as a great tragic actress.
An iconic performance as Marguerite Gautier in Alexandre Dumas fils's play, showcasing her talent for romantic roles.
Her portrayal of the title role in Victor Hugo's tragedy, demonstrating her ability to command the great works of the French dramatic repertoire.
Creation of the role of the Duke of Reichstadt in Edmond Rostand's play, showcasing her versatility by successfully taking on male roles.
Theater tours across Europe, the Americas, and beyond, establishing the modern template for the international star and bringing French theater to the world.
Participation in the early days of French cinema, pioneering the adaptation of her stage roles to the new art of film, including recordings of her plays.
Development of a new approach to tragic acting that emphasized authentic emotion and psychological depth, bringing a modern sensibility to classical theater.
Anecdotes
Sarah Bernhardt was known for sleeping in a satin-lined coffin, which she kept in her bedroom from her early years. She claimed the practice helped her meditate on her tragic roles and mentally prepare for the great death scenes she performed on stage. This eccentricity made headlines in newspapers around the world.
In 1915, at the age of seventy, Sarah Bernhardt had her right leg amputated following a long-standing injury. Against her doctors' advice, she refused to retire and continued performing on stage, carried by assistants or taking on roles adapted to her condition. She even embarked on a tour of the United States, greeted with standing ovations at every performance.
During her first American tour in 1880, Sarah Bernhardt sparked a genuine media frenzy. Thousands of spectators crowded each of her appearances, and American newspapers sent special correspondents to cover her every move. Mark Twain himself wrote that she was the only person he had ever seen capable of hypnotizing an entire audience without uttering a single word.
Sarah Bernhardt was one of the first global celebrities to leverage her fame for commercial purposes: her image appeared on posters created by Alphonse Mucha, as well as on soaps, perfumes, and even chocolates. Long before it became common practice, she understood the power of public image and managed her career with formidable business acumen, personally negotiating her contracts and her extraordinary fees.
An avid collector of exotic animals, Sarah Bernhardt kept a veritable menagerie in her Paris mansion: a caiman given to her by Victor Hugo, parrots, Persian cats, a lion named Justinien, and even a tamed wolf. Her visitors never quite knew which creature would greet them in the actress's drawing room.
Primary Sources
I wanted to be an actress, and I was right to want it. The theatre gave me everything that life had denied me: glory, love, immortality.
You have written me a role that allows me to express the full depth of the human soul. It is in moments like these that I understand why I was born to be an actress.
Mlle Bernhardt revealed herself yesterday as a tragedienne of extraordinary power. Her interpretation of Phèdre will mark an era in the history of French theatre.
The actor must be a creator, not a mere reciter. They must put their entire soul into every gesture, every word, in order to touch the heart of the audience.
Key Places
Sarah Bernhardt's birthplace in 1844. Paris was the heart of her theatrical career, where she established herself as the greatest tragic actress of the 19th century.
The theatre where Sarah Bernhardt launched her career and became a full member of the company in 1862. It was in this temple of classical theatre that she created her greatest tragic roles.
The venue where Bernhardt triumphed as both director and actress, notably in plays by Victor Hugo. It was a major center of her theatrical innovation.
The city where Sarah Bernhardt undertook prestigious tours and achieved major international success, bringing modern French theatre to audiences across Europe.
A museum dedicated to the history of Paris that preserves mementos, costumes, and documents relating to the life and career of Sarah Bernhardt.
Sarah Bernhardt's favorite holiday retreat, where she owned a private estate. The island served as a personal sanctuary for the celebrated actress.
Liens externes & ressources
Références
Œuvres
Phèdre (Racine) — interprétation de référence
1874
La Dame aux camélias (Dumas fils)
1880
Hamlet (Shakespeare) — rôle-titre
1899
L'Aiglon (Edmond Rostand)
1900
Ma double vie — Mémoires
1907
L'Art du théâtre — traité
1923
